Easy and Delicious Recipes for Beginners

Starting your cooking journey can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re not used to spending much time in the kitchen. But the truth is, anyone can learn to cook! With a few easy and delicious recipes under your belt, you'll not only gain confidence but also start enjoying the process. Whether you're a student, someone living alone for the first time, or simply trying to save money by cooking more at home, this guide is for you.

Here, we've rounded up a variety of beginner-friendly recipes that are straightforward, affordable, and full of flavour. These dishes require minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Ready to become your own chef? Let’s dive in.

1. Scrambled Eggs on Toast

Let’s start with a classic. Scrambled eggs are a fantastic breakfast (or even dinner) option. They’re full of protein and take just minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

2 eggs
A splash of milk (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper
A knob of butter or a drizzle of oil
2 slices of bread (your choice)

Instructions:

Crack the eggs into a bowl. Add a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Beat with a fork.
Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Pour in the eggs and gently stir with a wooden spoon until just set.
Toast your bread and serve the eggs on top.

Tip: Add chopped chives or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavour.

2. One-Pot Pasta

One-pot recipes are perfect for beginners—less washing up and no fuss. This pasta dish is rich, satisfying, and customisable.

Ingredients:

200g dried pasta
1 tin chopped tomatoes
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and herbs (basil or oregano)
Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil until soft.
Add the pasta, tinned tomatoes, and just enough water to cover everything.
Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the pasta is cooked and sauce thickened, season to taste and top with cheese.

Tip: Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or peppers if you want more veg.

3. Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry is great when you want something healthy and satisfying. This version is simple but delicious.

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast (sliced thin)
1 cup mixed veg (frozen or fresh)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
Cooked rice or noodles (to serve)

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large pan or wok. Add the garlic and cook briefly.
Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
Add the veg and stir-fry until tender.
Pour in the soy sauce, stir well, and serve with rice or noodles.

Tip: Try adding a spoonful of honey or sweet chilli sauce for a flavour boost.

4. Baked Potatoes with Toppings

Baked potatoes are filling and incredibly versatile. All you need is a potato and your imagination!

Ingredients:

1 large baking potato
Toppings (cheese, beans, tuna mayo, coleslaw, sour cream, etc.)
Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Wash and dry the potato. Prick with a fork, rub with a little oil and salt.
Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes, until crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Slice open and load up with your favourite toppings.

Tip: Speed things up by microwaving the potato for 5–7 minutes before finishing in the oven.

5. Simple Vegetable Soup

Soups are cheap, nutritious, and warming. This easy version is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

1 onion (chopped)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 potatoes (cubed)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tbsp oil
750ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper

Instructions:

In a pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
Add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend for a smooth soup or leave chunky. Season to taste.

Tip: Add lentils or canned beans for extra protein.

6. Tuna Pasta Bake

A comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for batch cooking. It freezes well too!

Ingredients:

200g pasta
1 tin tuna (drained)
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 onion (chopped)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tbsp oil
Handful of grated cheese

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in tuna and cooked pasta. Pour into an oven dish.
Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 15–20 minutes.

Tip: Add some sweetcorn or peas to make it heartier.

7. Omelette

Another egg-based classic, and great for using up odds and ends in your fridge.

Ingredients:

2 or 3 eggs
Salt and pepper
Oil or butter
Fillings: cheese, mushrooms, ham, onions, spinach, tomatoes

Instructions:

Beat the eggs in a bowl with salt and pepper.
Heat oil or butter in a non-stick pan.
Pour in the eggs and let them cook gently. Add your fillings.
Once the base is set, fold in half and cook a little longer.
Slide onto a plate and enjoy.

Tip: Don’t overload with fillings or it’ll be tricky to fold.

8. Toasted Sandwich (Panini or Toastie)

Ideal for lunch or a quick supper. All you need is bread, cheese, and imagination.

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread
Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Add-ins: ham, tomato, onion, pesto, etc.
Butter (optional)

Instructions:

Butter the outside of each slice (if using).
Layer your fillings inside.
Toast in a sandwich press or frying pan until golden and melted.

Tip: No press? Use a hot pan with a plate on top and press down with a tin.

9. Easy Chicken Curry

You don’t need a cupboard full of spices for this simple curry—it’s tasty and approachable.

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast (cubed)
1 onion (chopped)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tin chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp oil
Cooked rice (to serve)

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a pan. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
Add the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
Add the chicken and brown all over.
Pour in tomatoes and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve with rice.

Tip: Stir in yoghurt or coconut milk to make it creamy.

10. No-Bake Chocolate Fridge Cake

Let’s end on a sweet note. This indulgent treat is super simple—no oven required.

Ingredients:

200g digestive biscuits
100g butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
200g dark or milk chocolate
Optional: raisins, marshmallows, nuts

Instructions:

Crush the biscuits into chunks.
In a pan, melt the butter, chocolate, and syrup together.
Stir in the crushed biscuits and extras.
Press into a lined tray and chill for 2 hours until set.
Slice and enjoy.

Tip: Keep it in the fridge—it lasts for up to a week (if you can resist).

Final Tips for Beginner Cooks

Learning to cook is a process, and you’ll get better with each meal you make. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Start Simple

Stick to easy recipes like the ones above. Over time, you'll naturally take on more complex dishes.

2. Use What You Have

Don’t worry about having every single ingredient. Learn to substitute. No garlic? Use onion. No chicken? Try chickpeas.

3. Taste as You Go

Tasting your food helps you learn how to season properly. Salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs can make a huge difference.

4. Don’t Fear Mistakes

Burnt the toast? Undercooked the rice? It happens to everyone. Keep going—you’ll improve each time.

5. Keep it Clean

Tidy as you go to avoid a scary mess at the end. It makes cooking far more enjoyable.

Why Cooking at Home Is Worth It

Cooking isn’t just about eating—it’s about creativity, health, and independence. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

It saves money. Home-cooked meals cost a fraction of takeaway.
It’s healthier. You control the ingredients, salt, and fat levels.
It boosts confidence. Feeding yourself (and others) feels amazing.
It’s enjoyable. Cooking can be relaxing, fun, and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy equipment or years of training to create delicious meals. With these easy and delicious recipes for beginners, you’ll quickly realise that cooking can be simple, satisfying, and even fun. Start with just one dish and build from there—before long, you’ll be experimenting with your own creations.

So grab that apron, get in the kitchen, and enjoy the process. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.